Luxury Singapore hotel group Banyan Tree will open its first Indian hotel in the southern state of Kerala. It is set to open by the first quarter of 2013.

On the private island of Nediyathuruthu in the tropical Backwaters of Alleeppey, the secluded resort will offer 59 villas each with a private swimming pool. The luxury villas were decorated with traditional furnishings and elaborate woodwork.

In the homeland of traditional Ayruveda medicine and yoga, Banyan Tree will also open a wellness center including a luxury spa and an ayurvedic center offering traditional treatments.

Guests will be able to choose from three restaurants featuring Indian or Thai dishes. In addition to being a place to sip cocktails, a bar by the pool will be the stie of traditional dance shows.

The resort will also feature an exercise room, yoga room, a library and children's club for a range of ages.

Another island dedicated to sports such as climbing and archery is located five minutes from the resort by boat. At night, a private boat is available for guests to go siteseeing

Banyan Tree Kerala is located an hour south of the Cochin airport.